Summary
WeChat, Douyin and Kuaishou said they removed more than 7,400 rule-breaking “AI-altered” videos in September, according to Jiemian News. WeChat reported 2,247 removals, Douyin 2,645 and Kuaishou 2,544. The targeted material included lowbrow or violent alterations of classic films, television and children’s animation, misleading changes to historical or heroic figures, and unauthorized remixes that platforms said encouraged infringement. The report says China’s broadcasting regulator first issued an AI-alteration management notice in December 2024, followed by recurring campaigns and a move toward continuous enforcement. Regulators also say AI-generated audiovisual programs must carry labels and that key production stages and completed works require human review.
Hana’s perspective
The enforcement numbers show that synthetic media governance is becoming routine platform operations rather than a one-off campaign. I am less convinced by a blanket category such as “distorting classics,” which can blur harmful deception, copyright misuse and legitimate parody. Platforms should publish clearer examples and appeal routes. The strongest rules are specific: protect children, label synthetic material, respect rights and remove content that actually violates defined standards.
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